What is the 15th Anniversary of "Bitcoin Pizza Day"?
What is Bitcoin Pizza Day? The Story of the Most Expensive Pizza
On May 22, 2025, Bitcoin Pizza Day reached its momentous 15th anniversary. This day is known as the date when one of the most iconic events in the history of cryptocurrency took place. For crypto enthusiasts around the world, it has become an important anniversary to look back on the origins of Bitcoin.
A Moment in History: The Events of May 22, 2010
It all began in May 2010 with a post by American programmer Laszlo Hanyecz. On the cryptocurrency forum "Bitcointalk," he wrote, "I'll pay 10,000 BTC for a couple of pizzas." At the time, Bitcoin had almost no track record as a practical currency, and everyone was still exploring its value.
Shortly after, a user responded to his call, and two Domino's pizzas were delivered to Laszlo's home. This was recorded as the first-ever real-world commercial transaction using cryptocurrency.
Comparison of Value Then and Now
Back in 2010, Bitcoin was worth only about $0.004 per BTC, meaning 10,000 BTC could purchase pizzas worth just $40 (approximately 5,200 yen). However, as of 2025, the value of 1 BTC has reached $83,790, making 10,000 BTC worth approximately 1.2 trillion yen. It has truly become the "most expensive pizza in the world."
Symbolic Significance
This event was the first step in Bitcoin's evolution from a "theoretical online currency" to a "usable payment method." It also had a significant impact on the subsequent development of cryptocurrency exchanges (e.g., Mt. Gox) and payment systems.
In Japan as well, against the backdrop of legal reforms in 2017 and the NFT and Web3 boom since 2020, the culture of "May 22nd is Pizza Day" is taking root.
The Global Spread of the Anniversary
Today, May 22nd is celebrated grandly by cryptocurrency companies and enthusiasts worldwide. Companies like Binance hold pizza distribution events and BTC giveaways, and "#BitcoinPizzaDay" trends on social media every year. In 2024, the excitement was such that the number of hashtag posts exceeded 1.2 million.
In Japan, acceptance based on unique cultural contexts is progressing, and it is beginning to permeate as a "pizza-related anniversary" alongside November 22nd (Good Couple Day).
What the Man Who Bought Pizza with 10,000 Bitcoin 10 Years Ago Thinks Now [Interview]
The Identity of the Participant: The Trajectory of Laszlo Hanyecz
Hanyecz looks back on his actions at the time as an "experimental challenge." His motivation was to test for himself whether cryptocurrency could be used in daily economic activities, rather than just as a digital asset. His perspective as an engineer was the first step in applying the potential of blockchain to the real world.
He is currently involved in cryptocurrency-related projects as a consultant and states, "I have no regrets. It was a valuable experience at the time."
Shifting Values and Perception of Bitcoin
Regarding the loss of 10,000 BTC, he says, "For me at the time, pizza was a symbol of happiness more than money." He now adds, "The value of the infrastructure that Bitcoin has built is more important than the price surge."
Over 15 years, Bitcoin has evolved from a "toy for enthusiasts" to "digital gold." The ETF approval in 2024 symbolizes its maturity.
Message to Young Investors
"Cryptocurrency has high price volatility and carries risks. However, it is important to invest within a range you are comfortable with and to have a long-term perspective," says Hanyecz. He also notes, "Bitcoin originally aimed to be a technology that solves real-world problems. It is important not to forget that origin."
Bitcoin Price: A Guide on How to Buy
Bitcoin Price Trends and Influencing Factors
The price of Bitcoin fluctuates due to multiple factors, including mining difficulty, supply limits (a maximum issuance of 21 million), U.S. interest rate policies, and capital inflows into the ETF market (over $50 billion as of 2025). Corporate holdings of BTC (e.g., MicroStrategy) also have a significant impact on the market.
In Japan, demand for yen-denominated trading is expanding, with a 20% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year. The impact of the weak yen and the progress of legal frameworks are also encouraging the entry of individual investors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying in Japan
The flow for beginners purchasing Bitcoin is as follows:
Choose an Exchange: Select an exchange with robust regulatory compliance, loss compensation, and Japanese support, such as WEEX.
Register: Register your email address and submit identity verification documents (My Number Card or driver's license).
Deposit: You can choose from multiple methods, including bank transfers and credit cards.
Purchase: You can purchase from small amounts using market or limit orders.
Risk Management and Tips for Long-Term Holding
Security is the most important aspect of managing cryptocurrency.
For long-term holding, do not leave your assets on the exchange; move them to a hardware wallet (e.g., Ledger).
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is essential. Using Google Authenticator or YubiKey is recommended.
Additionally, by incorporating strategies such as dollar-cost averaging and diversification, and not being swayed by price fluctuations, you can achieve stable management.
Latest News on the WXT Token for WEEX
The WXT token on the WEEX exchange has risen by 101%.
If you want to buy WXT now, you can register for a WEEX account.
Disclaimer
WEEX and its affiliates provide digital asset trading services (including derivatives and margin trading) to qualified users only where legal. All content is for general information and does not constitute financial advice. Please seek independent advice before trading. Cryptocurrency trading is high-risk and may result in total loss. By using WEEX services, you are deemed to have accepted all relevant risks and terms of service. Do not invest more than you can afford to lose. For more details, please see the Terms of Service and Risk Disclosure.
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